Conservation DepartmentResponsibilities
The Conservation Department, part of Planning and Community Development, is the primary point of contact for the public with questions related to jurisdiction under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Needham Wetlands Protection Bylaw. The Department is also responsible for oversight and management of lands under the control of the Conservation Commission.

As part of their regulatory function, the Commission receives and reviews applications for projects involving work within 100 feet of resource areas (i.e. wetlands, streams, banks) or within 200 feet of perennial rivers and streams (the “Riverfront Area”).

Through the public hearing process, the Commission determines whether a project is permissible under the wetlands statutes, and issues or denies a permit accordingly. Please refer to our permitting page for additional information about Wetlands Protection statutes and procedures.